The Met Office reported that 2012 was the second wettest year on record and we can expect more of the same in the the next few years.

Not only are we getting more rain but it is falling in more intense downpours, which makes the likelihood of flooding more likely as the rivers cannot deal with taking water off the land quickly enough.

Last year nearly 8,000 homes and businesses suffered from flooding, which apart from the financial implications is very traumatic for people who have their home life disrupted and favorite belongings ruined by flood water.

In addition farmers suffered loss of crops and even the crops that do survive are less nutritious because essential nutrients are leached form the soil in flood conditions.

The Environment Agency website publishes information on areas that are subject to flooding so you can use this information when choosing where to live, you can sign up for free text alerts of flood warnings in your area to prepare in advance if you do live in an at risk area.

They also have advice on making a flood plan and what to do after a flood has hit.

To look on the bright side the weather is also becoming milder (not so much this last week) and so gardeners will be able to grow more temperate plants, this is a trend that has already started as evidenced by the popularity of some tropical plants such as New Zealand Tree ferns which would not have survived our climate 30 years ago.